AnaBelle Sodja

Anneliese Gillgam

July 23, 2018

I am not sure how to describe how grateful I am to have been my Mother’s daughter. I have spent the last 61 years, 6 months, 4 weeks, and 2 days of AnaBelle’s life honoring, loving, respecting, and truly enjoying her; the wonderful person she is, My Mother.She was so giving of her time, her talents, her love and her kindness. With everyone, family, friends, whomever was in need, she was there. When ever she would tell me ‘you need to take time for you – go do something for yourself, do what you want to do’ I would have to smile and tell her it was her fault I am the way I am. I learned from her.She did always to try to make things fun. During our last visit to the Emergency room the end of May, she came up with the idea we should make a list of all the things we wanted to do. I told her that was a great idea. Then I asked her what would she like to do. She responded, ‘I thought up the idea you come up with something!’ And then she laughed.Although I would have done anything to keep her here she deserved to be at peace. As she left this world the clouds cleared the sky, the sun came out and a beautiful rainbow appeared. From her room we saw the sun break thru the clouds, but it wasn’t until my nephew texted us the picture he took of the rainbow that appeared. It was our sign from her that she is in a better place. She is always thinking of those she loves.As I sit and think of lucky I was that she was the one who held me as I took my first breaths upon my birth, and how blessed I was to hold her in my arms as she took her last breath and was free from the confusion and pain that plagued her life the last few years. She is greatly missed, but never far from my heart. The memories we shared are priceless. Full of laughter and bitter sweet tears. I truly hope anyone who knew her, will be treated with the same love and respect they have shown her.

You will always be with me – Love your Baby, Anneliese

April Mannix

June 18, 2018

A full life lived! Mom worked hard as a waitress for years to take care of us. She went on to get her appraisers license to provide a better life for us. She worked for Multnomah County and then Clark County until she retired. For her 50 th Birthday she obtained her pilots license!Mom enjoyed traveling, she took her grandkids Tyson, Craig and Kimberly on a cruise to Alaska! (What was she thinking) Mom and Sandy took several cruises and numerous trips to Reno! They enjoyed playing Texas Holdem at the tournaments or would play locally. Mom taught us many things and she was always there for all of us. My favorite memory is how she always made Christmas Magical! Still my favorite holiday. She would spend hours making sure the tree was decorated her way! Hanging the rain one by one until it was perfect!Making Christmas cookies, they had to be perfect too! So much fun spending the whole day making cookies!Mom had 6 children, 14 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild. (This count was in 2015)Numerous neices and nephews, definitely a big family and all loved her very much. I will miss you! Love you mom,April Mannix

Amy Jameson

June 15, 2018

My Mama AnaBelle. Always made Life fun. Up until the end she was always gracious and loving. As Anneliese said many Times. - We were the ones that were Blessed to have Spent time with Mom. Anneliese was my Mom's Legal Guardian she also was Moms Angel. She gave of herself over the last 5 plus years making sure Mom had the best of life. Every hospital visit , hospital stay she never left her side. She eased Moms fears. I love you Anneliese thank you for helping Mom through the dark Times and knowing just what to say . I Will forever miss her but her Spirit needed to fly - it was time. I love you Mama Forever

Teresa (Davis) Swisher

June 14, 2018

The beautiful “Mrs. Walton”. She was one of the prettiest women I’d ever seen. Her daughter, April, was one of my best childhood friends, and I loved spending the night at their house. Mrs. Walton was always so sweet and friendly and always made me feel at home.It’s probably been 50 years since I last saw her, but it seems like she has had an amazingly long life. What a blessing.My thoughts are with April, Amy, and Annie.Sincerely,Teresa (Davis) Swisher

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